TKM 2-stroke

When Formula TKM was originally created, it started a new trend in British karting which has endured the test of time to make it the most successful UK karting class ever with 25 years of success and a roll of honour featuring dozens of top racing drivers including McLaren driver and ex F1 world champion, Jenson Button.

The Formula TKM concept, developed by Tal-Ko and senior officials within the UK karting scene, was to make the racing ultra-close and to keep costs at bay. It has been spectacularly successful.

So Formula TKM not only provides its drivers with the most amount of racing for every £ spent compared to any other karting class, but it also produces the future champions and stars of tomorrow.

Engines used within the class are identical, apart from a capacity change between Junior (100cc) and the Senior Extreme (115cc) classes. Virtually no modifications are allowed and tight and closely checked rules ensure a level playing field for everyone. Any kart can be used subject to certain restrictions to keep out complex items. Chassis set up is simple compared to other classes.

The result has been tremendous stability in the class combined with superbly close racing making the formula the backbone of the sport for newcomers and potential F1 stars alike. By placing the accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book it helps to identify the very best driving talent.

Tal-Ko has played a key role in maintaining the stability and strength of the class while at the same time moving it forwards with innovations such as the televised Maxxis TKM Festival – the largest single formula event there is in the UK which is held every year at Kimbolton and open to drivers of every standard. It has also created trend setting new regional championships.

Tal-Ko led the way in having its own team dedicated to looking after its racing operations and in providing extensive help to competitors with technical advice and publications. TKM racing takes place at most clubs around the UK.

There have been technical innovations too with the development of optional clutches with remote F1 like electric starter system and TAG, Touch & Go on board starter engine option.

With classes covering every age and size range from 11yrs to 60+, Formula TKM offers incredible value racing for drivers of every type and budget. And it is easy and inexpensive to transfer from one class to another so you can grow with your kart without the need to sell the equipment and start again.

We recognise the big variations in size and weight drivers go through as they develop from child to adult and we have led the world in establishing a series of weight and power sub classes to ensure an equal opportunity for drivers regardless of size, age and sex. What’s more those categories make it all safer too.

Juniors have five weight bands (123/128/135/142/148 Kilos) with the transfer taking just moments to change carburettor air restrictor. There’s a minimum height of 135cm.

Senior ExtremeSenior Extreme is divided into four weight bands (132/139/146/152 Kilos) with the lower three using carb air restrictors. The transfer to Senior Extreme from Junior requires an engine bore to increase capacity from 100cc to 115cc - normally carried out as part of a standard routine rebuild.

There is also a Senior ExtremeMasters class for drivers over the age of 35 years or with driver weight over 80kilos. And there is a Senior ExtremeClubman class run at some clubs aimed specifically at keep costs even lower.